HELP WITH STARTING A NEW GENERATIONS PROGRAM

RI Youth Exchange Committee Member Walter Wyser put together an information packet on New Generations Exchange that guides the reader through the history, basics and recommendations of the program. The checklist below is an excerpt from this packet and can help you start this program in your district or club. The information below is based on teams of exchange participants, but could easily be modified for individual participants.

· Contact districts or clubs to evaluate interest.

· Arrange for student selection by the district Youth Exchange committee and approval by the district governor or governor-elect.
· Appoint a responsible project leader, project committee, and regional coordinators.
· Plan exchange dates and durations.
· Decide who is visiting first and who will return the visit.
· Coordinate financial sponsorship and program support from districts and clubs, including overhead and transportation costs.
· Prepare two to three orientation events to thoroughly prepare participants.
· Arrange for screened host families (Rotarian or non-Rotarian) for the participants, in accordance with RI youth protection guidelines.
· Draft program details to be discussed with New Generations Exchange partners.
· Prepare applications that can be exchanged between partnering districts.
· Prepare teams or individuals to give presentations about their home country's culture or folklore to the receiving clubs. These can include national anthems, videos, or slides.
· Ask teams to wear matching clothes, such as blazers or T-shirts.
· Arrange for the printing of personal cards.
· Make inquiries about necessary health care measures, and ask a team member to be responsible for emergency medication.
· Communicate information about proper behavior and program rules.
· Prepare gifts, giveaways, and banners for host families and clubs.
· Book flights early to secure the best possible rates.
· Make sure visa regulations are followed and passport expiration dates are reviewed.
· Address risk-management procedures and participant insurance needs according to RI policy and the host district's request.
· Prepare an address list for the families in their home country. Include the phone number and address of an emergency contact person.